A sequel to In Trousers, the one-act continues the story of Marvin and his journey in search of self-understanding, inner peace, and a life with a "happily ever after" ending.

The musical then opened in Los Angeles at the Huntington Hartford Theater on April 21, 1982 and closed on July 2, 1982.

Directed by James Lapine, the cast included Michael Rupert (Marvin), Alison Fraser (Trina), James Kushner (Jason), Stephen Bogardus (Whizzer), and Chip Zien (Mendel).

This production, featuring Barry James (Mendel), Martin Smith (Marvin), Paddy Navin (Trina), Simon Green (Whizzer) and Damien Walker (Jason), transferred to the West End's Albery Theatre for a limited run from 24th March 1987 to 18th April 1987.

Trina, on Marvin's recommendation, pays a visit to Mendel, where she wearily wonders how her life has turned out this way.

Trina complains to Mendel how her role in the family dynamic is being phased out as Whizzer becomes increasingly prominent in Marvin and Jason's lives.

When Whizzer wins, shocking Marvin, but bitterness and ill feelings boil over, and the two break up ("The Chess Game").

Meanwhile, Trina and Mendel move in together and start their life as an engaged couple, feeling unsure of where they stand, while Whizzer is forced to leave his and Marvin's apartment ("Making A Home").

As he packs, Whizzer reflects on himself and his past relationships, and comes to the conclusion that he does not love Marvin ("The Games I Play").

("Father to Son") Source:Guide to Musical Theatre[3] Frank Rich, in his review for The New York Times, wrote: "The songs are so fresh that the show is only a few bars old before one feels the unmistakable, revivifying charge of pure talent....However slight and predictable the raw materials, Mr. Finn has transformed them into a show that is funny and tender on its own contained, anecdotal terms.